BY ALICE T CAMPBELL
The Provincial Mothers Union of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) reintroduced its Literacy Program, using a new model developed by Mary Sumner House in the United Kingdom; adapted for the Melanesian context.
An official opening of a seven-day workshop was held last week at All-Saints Parish Mothers Union Hall in the Diocese of Central Melanesia, a statement from the AcoM said.
Six leaders from the Dioceses of Malaita and Ysabel, the Provincial Mothers Union President, and four leaders from the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea attended the training.
The program is led by Naomi Herbert, Head of Literacy at Mary Sumner House, who is visiting the Solomon Islands for the first time.
Literacy remains a major challenge in both the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Many adults struggle with reading and writing, limiting their ability to help children with schoolwork or fully participate in church life.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and World Bank data show that about 76 percent of adults in the Solomon Islands are unable to read or write, the statement said.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Abraham Hauriasi, General Secretary of ACoM, said the program will help those without formal education to read the Bible and other important materials.
Education Secretary Desmond Waita added that literacy must remain a key mission of the church.
The Literacy Association Solomon Islands (LASI) welcomes the initiative and National Coordinator Mrs. Pricilla Maeniuta expressed gratitude and pledged continued partnership.
For communities in Melanesia, literacy is more than an academic skill—it is a doorway to participation in family, faith, and community life. The program aims to bring dignity, inclusion, and hope through the gift of reading and writing.
Photo credit: AcoM
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
